First-Generation High-Speed-Trains to be Modernised
17 August 2007
Five years ago, Voith Turbo supplied the first cooling systems for British High-Speed Trains (HST). In total, 35 cooling systems were installed into the HSTs of the rail operator First Great Western Trains.
These cooling systems for the first-generation HST vehicles have enjoyed excellent operation, which has led to an order for Voith covering the modernisation of the 35 systems.
COOLING SYSTEMS UPDATED FOR MTU ENGINES
First Great Western Trains intends to run the HST 1 vehicles for another ten years. As part of the general overhaul and modernisation project, each vehicle will receive a new MTU engine. As a result, Voith Turbo will have to update the cooling systems to these new conditions.
After the first order in 2002 for the 35 cooling systems in question, First Great Western Trains placed a follow-on order for another 87 cooling systems in 2006. According to the fleet improvement engineer in charge, Martin Costello, these systems also performed excellently in the HST Class 43, the power car of these high-speed trains.
For Michael Stahlmann of Voith Turbo, this major overhaul and modernisation project is a very important order. "We were able to prove that our cooling systems operate excellently and reliably. Additionally, they stand out by low lifecycle costs and low-cost maintenance in day-to-day operation.
"This creates trust and strengthens our close relationship with the operator First Great Western Trains – both through our Heidenheim workshop and our local marketing company."
